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Published: June 23rd 2008
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When I decided to return to ships for another contract, I made some clear goals for myself. Experiences I wanted to have that I could accomplish during this time at sea. The biggest one was getting my dive certification. Done. I also wanted to go parasailing. Also done. With less than 2 weeks left on the ship, there was one more I had to do: go horseback riding in the ocean.
I rode horses as a kid. Took lessons at a farm up the road. Would ride at different friends' houses. Did a 4-H horse club. Tried to convince my dad to get a horse (it didn't work). I loved riding. But I haven't been on a horse in years. There are various horseback riding tours offered in the different ports. For some reason, riding in the ocean just seems too magical, too dream-like to be real. But you can do it down here. So before leaving home last fall, I decided I had to do it. The Destiny didn't have ocean horseback riding as an option in any of its ports. It's possible here on the Liberty. I'd tried to get passes ever since I got here, but they're
never available. This week is the last port I'll visit where it's possible. So, I bought myself a ticket. It's worth the money to do a life list experience!
We're in Jamaica and the tour took me to the Chukka farm, the same company I went zip lining with when Mom and Lee were here. I got up bright and early, exhausted, but ready to go. Stepped off the ship, only to discover, it was pouring rain. Really cold rain. The rain put a damper on the day. It was freezing. The normally sparkling blue water was grey and dismal looking. But that aside - today was brilliant!
We were paired up with a horse at the stables. I was given a girl named Gorgeous. She was a stubborn thing. Real attitude. Of course, I got the horse with an attitude. She refused to stay in line with the other horses, continually stepping out of line until I'd convince her to move back in place. The guides kept joking about giving me a speeding ticket. I was concerned something was wrong with her; she kept stopping and favouring one leg. A guide explained to me she just likes
going fast, leading the way, and when she doesn't, she gets irritated. Drama queen.
We rode for about half an hour, along winding paths, with the Jamaican hills rising up to one side. We eventually reached the ocean and wound along beside it for awhile. Until we eventually reached the beach for the bareback riding.
Of our group of 30, half went first in the water, while the other group watched (huddling under a pavillion, soaked, but out of the rain). Then we switched. I was put in the first group. Given a different horse, but I wasn't given her name. She was much more relaxed and easy going than Gorgeous though! For the ocean ride, there are no saddles, just a thin pad between you and the horse's back. We were led down to the water and then, in we went.
The horses go in really deep. The water is up to and even over their backs. You're waist deep in. And it is difficult to stay on! You only have the reigns and a small straps on the pad on the horse's back to hold onto. There are no stirrups and the water really pushes
against your legs. You have to really work to stay on the horse. I'm an active and fairly fit girl, certainly with strong legs, and now, only a few hours later, I'm aching. I can only imagine what the average cruise passenger must feel like after this tour!
The ride was awesome. Incredible. Amazing. But over so quickly. You're in the water for about 10, maybe 15 minutes. The horses all go in a sort-of line and circle around the little bay twice. You're trying to stay on the horse, being told to smile for the camera. I'm trying to take pictures with my own camera (once again, I LOVE my waterproof camera!). It's still raining, the air is freezing, but thankfully the ocean water is warm. You've got all the guides and the other guests talking to you and moving around you. And you're just trying to savour the fact that you're in Jamaica, riding bareback in the ocean. It was fun. But hectic. And then over.
We were led back to the beach and up to the stable. Time to switch groups. The second half of the guests went over to their horses while we showered
off the salt water and frantically wrapped ourselves in our towels trying to warm up. I was seated on a bench, huddling and shivering. One of the guides walked past and asked if I was bored yet. No, just freezing. "Want to go again?" he asked. I said "Sure?", more like a question, not really thinking it was a possibility. But he told me to grab a life belt. I threw my towel aside and rushed right over.
Yes, I got to go again!
Another horse again. This time a pretty white & grey one. And this time was awesome. Cause my body had already figured out how to stay on. I'd already snapped a ton of photos. I was used to the water. The second time, was just a chance to savour.
It is always such an incredible moment, when you're able to just mentally stop and appreciate the fact that you are in the middle of a life-long memory in the making. You're checking something off the life list. You are in the middle of it all. And you can just savour the fact that it is happening.
We had another half hour ride
back to the stables. Then a half hour drive to the ship. We were late getting back, which meant I was late for work. I was still soaked. And it was freezing. But all of that are just tedious little things that will be forgotten over time.
But what will stay with me is that time in the water, riding bareback in the ocean.
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swills82
Sarah Willett
Life List
Congrats on checking off yet another one of your life list goals! Pics look amazing and you can hear the excitement in your stories. Amazing.